READALONG: ‘Starside’ by Alex Aster

Hundreds of years ago, a brutal war split a land in two. Starside is the realm of magic and immortals – the descendants of the gods, living in a power-rich paradise. Stormside is where mortals fight for scraps of that magic.

Every fifty years, the gates between them open, and fifty challengers are allowed to journey across Starside on a deadly quest for magic that can heal, grant wealth or extend life. Everyone has their reasons for entering, but Aris has only one: vengeance against the gods who killed her family.

Winning one of the fifty spots on the quest won’t be easy. An orphaned blacksmith’s apprentice, Aris doesn’t have the superior weapons of the heirs from the Great Houses. But the greatest swords, ones that contain power, are not inherited or bought – they are claimed, by both sides. And when Aris claims a great sword, it makes her not just a real competitor… but a target.

Countless dangers await on Starside. With a blade most would kill to take, Aris can’t trust anyone. Especially not Harlan Raker, the merciless and mysterious knight who betrayed her years ago – and who may now be the key to her survival.

But Aris is hiding a secret tied to her family’s death. And when it’s revealed, not even the gods will be able to stop what’s coming…

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